Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens
The council, having failed to agree on using philanthropic funds for the redevelopment of the Ross Bandstand a few years ago are now consulting on what they might do with the space. Norman Springford of Apex Hotels put up £5 million at the time for the reimagining of the Ross Fountain and Ross Bandstand. Around half of the money was used to refurbish the fountain which is such an attraction in the gardens. But the Quaich Project to build a pavilion where the Ross Bandstand is was shelved.
The council is now asking the public to put forward their views on the future use and development of the Ross Bandstand and West Princes Street Gardens.
An online consultation launched this week aims to gather feedback on potential improvements and the type of events and cultural activities that could be hosted there.
Residents, businesses and the wider public have until Friday 20 December to give their feedback on the Council’s proposals, including their thoughts on ‘low impact’ and ‘major events’ including those that extend beyond the Bandstand and into other areas of the Gardens.
Currently, the maximum number of major events allowed at the Ross Bandstand and surrounding Gardens is four, which includes the annual Winter Festival, Summer Festival and a major event in September. Looking ahead, the Council proposes that a major event could also be held in May.
Views are also being encouraged on the establishment of a Summer Festivals stage, providing opportunities for various festivals and community groups to contribute to a series of low-impact activities lasting up to eight weeks. These activities would be carefully programmed within the area of the Ross Bandstand
The consultation also highlights the parameters events are required to adhere to in the Gardens. This includes ensuring they remain fully open except for ticketed event performance days, with only limited and managed partial closures permitted outwith those times to ensure safe operations for event organisers and maintain public access.
City of Edinburgh Council Leader Cammy Day, said: “We understand that, as an important green space in the city, there are many perspectives to consider, especially concerning the variety of events that could be hosted in the Gardens. That’s why it’s essential for us to gather input from as many people as possible. We know that many will want to share their views and join us in agreeing a strategy for the years ahead.
“Located in the heart of the city, nestled between the Old and New Towns beneath Edinburgh Castle, West Princes Gardens and the Ross Bandstand are cherished historic sites which have been enjoyed by residents and visitors for generations. We are keen to make sure this continues.”
The Big Noise with the RSNO
Young people from The Big Noise in Wester Hailes took part in a unique concert alongside the Royal Scottish National Orchestra (RSNO) last Friday. A total of 32 young musicians from the orchestra, all aged between seven and nine, performed at the Usher Hall.
Stewart Wilson, head of centre at Big Noise Wester Hailes, said: “We are incredibly proud of the outstanding performance by our young musicians alongside the RSNO. This has been the culmination of months of hard work from our young people, and we’re all delighted to have seen them perform on one of the country’s biggest stages.
“Witnessing the dedication and hard work of our young people come to fruition on such a prestigious stage fills us with immense pride and reinforces the profound impact of music in their lives.
“I’d like to thank the RSNO for its continuing partnership with Big Noise Wester Hailes, and with the Big Noise programmes across Scotland, which has provided an incredible opportunity for our talented young musicians and the rest of the Wester Hailes community. I’d also like to thank the parents and carers for all their support and to our partner schools.”
All images © Stewart Attwood Photography 2024.
Jumble Sale
LifeCare’s Winter Warmer Jumble Sale This Sunday
Join LifeCare Edinburgh this Sunday 10th November for our family-friendly community jumble sale. Go along for a browse, pick up a bargain, enjoy a hot bacon or sausage roll, tea and coffee.
Running from 10.30am – 1.30pm at the LifeCare community hub on Cheyne Street in Stockbridge. (Where you can also pick up an actual copy of our latest newspaper.
The People’s Story to reopen
Following a protest the museum on the High Street is to reopen on 2 December. The council has announced that The People’s Story will reopen to the public on Monday 2 December after a temporary closure.
This matter is due to be considered at the full council meeting on 7 November. Whether or not that report will continue to be debated in full is not clear, as at the time of writing the motions and amendments to the report have not yet been published.
The Museum, which offers an insight into the lives of Edinburgh’s working-class people from the 18th to the late 20th century, was temporarily closed. This sparked protest and the council said it was “due to staff shortages”. It will now reopen on its regular seven-day schedule from Monday 2 December.
Gordon has retired
Gordon Scott from Gordon’s Trattoria on The Royal Mile has retired after 43 years in business. Here he is getting a plaque for his long service from Cllr Cammy Day, the Council Leader, and The Rt Hon Lord Provost of Edinburgh, Robert Aldridge.
Dennis Conaghan who sent us the photo said he would also like to wish Gordon a “long and happy retirement”.
Founding Editor of The Edinburgh Reporter.
Edinburgh-born multimedia journalist and iPhoneographer.
